BETA GLUCANS
A MIRACLE IN IMMUNE ENHANCEMENT
Articles written by Dr. Deborah Baker©1999-2000
http://www.y2khealthanddetox.com
What is Beta 1, 3-D Glucan?
Beta-1, 3-D glucan is the sole active ingredient in Beta Gold. It is derived from the cell walls of baker's yeast, making it the precise substance for which the actual glucan macrophage receptor has been identified. Beta-1, 3-D glucan is technically referred to as a polybranched polyglucose - so complex some refer to it as fiber. In plainer language of its developer, Nicholas DiLuzio of Tulane University, "The broad spectrum of immunopharmacological activities of glucan includes not only the modification of certain bacterial, fungal, viral, and parasitic infections, but also inhibition of tumor growth."
Beta Gold glucan is a Baker's yeast extract. Baker�s yeast extracts have has been given a G.R.A.S. Rating (Generally regarded as Safe) Rating by the FDA. No adversity or toxicity can be known to have this rating. It does not contain the protein part of the yeast, so is not allergy inducing.
Basically anyone who has a heartbeat can take Beta Gold, particularly living in 21st century North America, where stress, pollutants and toxins are so prevalent. I would especially recommend it for
people with impaired immunity, who are susceptible to allergies, autoimmune disease, infectious disease, slow and incomplete healing and cancer, wishing to slow the aging process, undergoing radiation or chemotherapy, over 40 whose immune systems begin to slow through the aging process, geriatric patients, who are exposed to radiation from external sources such as UV or electromagnetic fields, people with poor nutrition or who consume food preservatives, those under physical or emotional stress, athletes and those who work out extensively, people with high risk of cardiovascular disease. And last but not least�.Animals! To help them overcome illness, stay healthy and live longer.
Animals in particular are victim of very poor food with things such as euthanized, diseased animals allowed to be ground up for their feed, chicken feathers, etc counted as protein content�see my Vet page. Inbreeding also weakens their immune system, allowing for more and more recessive genes to express which normally nature would filter out by cross-breeding.
In my opinion, and I am not a vet, but work very closely with them, all thoroughbred or purebred animals suffer to some or a very great extent from being immune compromised.
CAUSES AND CONDITIONS OF IMMUNE COMPROMISE
:AIDS and HIV
Allergy
Athletic Training
Bacterial Infection
Bronchitis
Cancer
Candidiasis
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic Infection
CMV Virus
Common Cold
Diabetes
Emphysema
Epstein Barr Virus
Fungal Infection
Herpes
Mercury Intoxication/Dental Amalgam Syndrome
Mononucleosis
Old Age
Parasitic Infection
Periodontal Disease
Pneumonia
Poor Nutrition
Radiation
Stress
Surgery
Viral Infection
History and How Glucans Works
A substance called Zymosan was discovered in the late 1940�s. Research showed that this product had several immune activating properties. These properties were researched one by one until the 1960�s when Nicholas DiLuzio of Tulane University began experimenting with Beta 1,3-D Glucan. The glucan was discovered to be responsible for the immune activating response. Then, Beta 1,3-D glucan was introduced to human subjects in the 1970�s.
Beta 1,3-D gulcan works by activating the immune cells known as macrophages. These macrophages trap and consume foreign substances in the body. Dr. Joyce K. Czop, M.D. at the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology at Harvard Medical School states, "A cascade of interactions and reactions initiated by the macrophage regulatory factors can be envisioned to occur and to eventuate in conversion of the glucan treated host to an arsenal of defense."
Another function of glucan, very important to my clinic, is its ability to act as a strong antioxidant
or free radical scavenger. I have a very large clientele of mercury toxic patients and work closely with amalgam-free dentists. Mercury and other heavy metals are free radical producers, initiating a cascade of tissue destruction and impaired function. In retraining the patient�s detoxification mechanisms, one component which has to be addressed is liver phase I detoxification. This process needs vast amounts of antioxidant and glucans can help to provide that, along with the other factors I have the patients take in their protocol. (See Mercury Detoxification page)
Glucans can also protect you from various forms of radiation. It scavenges debris and cellular breakdown caused by radiation. Some forms of radiation that glucan can protect you from is airline travel, x-rays, mammograms, high tension power lines, proximity to nuclear facilities, computer terminals and UV rays from the sun.
Beta 1,3-D glucan can also regenerate and repair tissue, thus, speeding up the recovery of damaged tissue as well.
Glucan aids in the lowering of LDL (bad) cholesterol and enhances cholesterol lowering regimes.
Beta1,3-D glucan helps other substances such as antibiotics, antifungals and antiparasitics to work better in the body. However, the most important effect is has on the body is the anti-neoplastic (anti-tumor) effect. With glucan in the system, the macrophages are far more efficient at recognizing and destroying mutated cells.
Research and Science
Beta 1,3-D glucan has been extensively researched and documented by some of the most prestigious universities in the world. To quote some of the involved scientists:
M. L. Patchen, PhD
Department of Experimental
Hematology and Radiation Sciences
Armed Forces Radiobiology Institute
"Glucan has been shown to enhance macrophage production dramatically, and to increase nonspecific host resistance to a variety of bacterial, fungal and parasitic infections."
William Browder M.D.
Department of Surgery
Tulane University School of Medicine
"Beta 1,3-D glucan is a potent macrophage stimulant and is beneficial in the therapy of experimental bacterial, viral and fungal diseases."
P. Mansell, M.D.
McGill University Cancer
Research Center
Victoria Hospital, Montreal, Canada
"Glucan was found to be an effective drug in inducing macrophage-mediated destruction in malignant lesions in animals and humans."
Dr. Peter Mansell conducted a study where beta glucan was injected into subcutaneous (under the skin) nodules of malignant melanoma. Biopsies of these sites revealed that no evidence of melanoma could be found, only a collection of activated macrophages.
Other research studies have shown the positive effects of beta glucan on an array of conditions such as malignant ulcers of the chest folllowing a mastectomy, HIV infections, severe trauma complications, and radiation exposure. Beta glucan has also been shown to enhance the effectiveness of antibiotics and antiviral medications.
There are researchers who believe that Beta 1,3-D glucan is the only true defense against aging.
The presence of Beta potentiates the receptors on the surface of the macrophage. Only the presence of non-self (virus, bacteria, fungi, cancer, parasites, etc.) causes the macrophage to become stimulated. Beta alone does not stimulate.
Beta-1, 3-D glucan does not create a danger in over expansion of the immune system. Considerable peer reviewed data indicates just the opposite.
There are no adverse effects known when Beta-1, 3-D glucan is taken in conjunction with pharmacological drugs. Beta-1, 3-D glucan enhances the effect of many anti-infective drugs, cholesterol reducing drugs and chemotherapeutic agents.
People often wonder why this product has not been available before. For nearly three decades, Beta-1, 3-D glucan has been available to laboratories and medical schools. However, to purchase 1 (one) 100-mg sample of Beta-1, 3-D glucan, cost was close to $200.00! This made it highly prohibitive from a commercial standpoint. Finally that has changed and we are able to bring this highly effective, highly researched product to you.
Glucans from barley, oats, or other grains have been shown to be ineffective as an immune modulator. Only Beta-1, 3-D glucan from the cell wall of baker's yeast has been shown to have a potent effect on the immune system, in an economical manner.
BETA GLUCANS SURGICAL PROTOCOL This protocol applies to dental or medical surgery
for a 150 lb. Person, 150 lbs. /2.2= 68 kg.x 25 mg.= 1700 mg. daily. This is the
dosage for maximum macrophage activity.
A quicker, and close calculation would be 500 mg of Beta Gold per 50lbs bodyweight.
ounces at least, and do not eat for 30 minutes or more.
divided doses (not on the day of dental surgery, as the Vitamin C will antidote the
anesthetic and make it very hard to "freeze" the nerves to the area), Zinc citrate 15mg
twice per day, Beta carotene 30,000 to 50, 000 I.U. per day and Calcium/Magnesium
Citramate three doses per day.
Juicing, lots of organic vegetables, fruit and good quality protein are also very helpful
for healing.
A final note we are not suggesting that the normal procedure of using antibiotics should be avoided, however some dentists have reported that in those patients allergic to antibiotics, Beta Gold has allowed for excellent healing, with no dry sockets even though no antibiotics were used. The patients, who had multiple chemical sensitivities and allergies, made the decision with the knowledge of their personal physicians.
References with Selected Quotations
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